10 perfect – From Adult Swim’s trippy “Common Side Effects” to Netflix’s blockbuster “Arcane,” these are 10 animated series from the past five years described as perfect from start to finish—each with its own distinct blend of storytelling, style, and impact.
The pitch is simple: not every show can hit “perfection,” even once. But animation—by its very nature—gives creators room to risk it, invent new visuals, and build whole worlds that feel alive the moment you press play.
Within the last five years, a handful of animated series have managed to stand out as the kind of run you don’t rush past. Here’s a list of ten picks described as perfect from start to finish—each arriving with its own signature mix of imagination, emotion, and momentum.
At the top of the list is “Arcane” (2021–2024), a Netflix original set in the world of League of Legends. It spans 18 episodes of vivid colors, emotional expressiveness, and world-building that lands as more than spectacle. The show’s plotting. character work. and themes are presented as “intricate. ” “emotionally stirring. ” and “thematically profound. ” and the credit list includes showrunner Christian Linke. with directors Barth Maunoury. Marietta Ren. and Christelle Abgrall.
Coming in at number 2 is “Blue Eye Samurai” (2023–Present), also on Netflix. Built as a gritty revenge series, it’s described as an Edo-era story that subverts traditional gender and racial tropes. The series centers on Mizu. an antihero protagonist. and the write-up emphasizes that it’s fast enough to finish in one night—complete with “stunning animation” and an emotionally resonant narrative. The note on the production status: its second season is in production.
Number 3: “Bleach: The Thousand-Year Blood War” (2022–Present). This direct sequel to the 2004 “Bleach” anime is based on Tite Kubo’s manga series “Bleach. ” and it’s described as a “massive-budget return to form” for the franchise. The original run ended on a polarizing note. but this sequel is said to have earned “nothing but universal praise” from fans and critics. The series is praised for god-tier animation. colorful visuals. practically filler-free pacing. and a “legendary soundtrack. ” with the reminder that its legacy may depend on how it ultimately lands.
“Scavengers Reign” takes number 4 (2023). The series is described as having been devised and pitched as a self-contained miniseries. which is noted specifically for viewers worried about cliffhangers. Still. it’s framed as one of the best sci-fi and best animated shows of the 2020s. built around imaginative world-building. psychological depth. and “absolutely breathtaking animation.”.
Number 5 is “Invincible” (2021–Present). created by Robert Kirkman and based on the Image Comics series of the same name. co-created by Kirkman with Cory Walker and Ryan Ottley. The series is pitched as a Prime Video show that stays gripping throughout. with the writing and voice acting described as “legendarily flawless.” Even criticisms of “occasionally subpar animation” are treated as minor beside what’s otherwise presented as deep. emotionally grounded character development and eye-popping bloody action.
Coming in at number 6: “X-Men ’97” (2024–Present). The list places the show’s roots in 1992. when “X-Men: The Animated Series” helped kick off the golden age of animated superhero television alongside “Batman: The Animated Series.” That original series ended in 1997 due to financial issues. and “X-Men ’97” is described as Disney’s 2024 revival that manages to meet the high bar. The writing praises crisp animation. top-tier voice acting. and exceptional writing—balancing reverence for the source material with a sharper. modern feel.
At number 7 is “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” (2023–Present). based on the manga written by Kanehito Yamada and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe. The description leans heavily into reception: it’s said to be among the highest-rated shows of the 2020s on IMDb and to hold a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. with critics “inevitably charmed” by its cozy. calm atmosphere. The show is also framed as a fantasy that subverts the traditional epic quest. starting after the Hero’s Journey has concluded and focusing on aftermath and the passage of time—an approach presented as both deeply moving and comforting.
Number 8: “Pantheon” (2022–2023). This cyberpunk conspiracy thriller is based on a series of short stories by Ken Liu. and it’s described as a near-perfect hard sci-fi series on Netflix. The write-up points to philosophical and thematic depth. an acclaimed voice cast. and its portrayal of the singularity—a hypothetical where technological growth accelerates beyond human control. The series is also called mind-bending and emotionally weighty, with its transhumanism and artificial intelligence themes framed as chillingly timely.
Number 9 is “Common Side Effects” (2024–Present) from Max via Adult Swim. It’s described as one of the most odd. trippy. and surreal animated shows of the last five years. with a blend of deadpan stoner humor and stakes that feel “worthy of the most gripping. high-stakes thriller imaginable.” The lead figure is Marshall Cuso. voiced by Dave King. and the show’s described as a genre-bending satire with layered themes that make every episode feel like a masterpiece.
Finally, at number 10: “Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord” (2026–Present). The list ties the franchise’s small-screen history to animation and highlights this entry as a prime example of the best Star Wars content on the medium. Maul is described as a character expanded and enriched across animated Star Wars history. and “Shadow Lord” is framed as the most fascinating villain version yet. The praise points to stunning animation. memorable music. and exceptional voice performances. with the show positioned not just as one of the best Star Wars series. but also one of the best new sci-fi shows currently on television.
One thread runs through the whole list: these aren’t just animated series that look good. They’re presented as complete experiences—stories built to hold you from the first moment to the last—made possible by a medium that can do far more than mimic live-action.
animated series Arcane Blue Eye Samurai Bleach: The Thousand-Year Blood War Invincible X-Men '97 Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Pantheon Common Side Effects Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord Scavengers Reign
Arcane is the only one I’ve heard of so far lol
So this is like “perfect” animated shows? I feel like every list like this is just people copying each other. Arcane was cool but I didn’t think it was perfect start to finish or whatever.
Common Side Effects on Adult Swim?? I guess? I saw a clip where it was super trippy and thought it was just random animation filler. Also Arcane being based on League of Legends like automatically means it’s gaming propaganda or something, right? Idk I haven’t even finished it.
Not sure why they’re calling anything “perfect” like that’s even a thing. A lot of these shows have good visuals but the story drags sometimes, and then they’ll say “emotionally stirring” and I’m like… stirring what? Anyway Arcane had momentum for sure, but I swear half the hype is just Netflix doing Netflix stuff. Also 18 episodes?? That’s like nothing, seems rushed, so how is it perfect.